Left-back Shaw became the most expensive teenager in world football after the 18-year-old signed for a fee believed to be around £30 million, whilst Herrera signed for a similar fee to bolster their midfield.

United had a poor season last season under David Moyes as they finished seventh in the Premier League, meaning they have no European football at Old Trafford in the season ahead. However, Yorke believes the transfer dealings so far shows that United are determined to put that bad campaign behind them and still compete for the best players in the transfer market to re-establish themselves.

He's quoted by ESPN, saying: "We've seen that with Juan Mata for £37 million during the season last year, and then to already spend £60 million on two players that's very aggressive spending for Man United.

"So, the intentions are really clear that we had a bad season but we're going to compete with everyone who is out there. The players that we want to get in we're going to get them and get them in very quickly so we can have a squad that is ready to prepare for the season and the future ahead."

It's doubtful that the transfer business undertaken by Manchester United so far will be all they do. There have been strong links with Arsenal's Thomas Vermalen as van Gaal will look to strengthen the centre of their defence, following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, whilst midfielder William Carvalho has been linked with a move from Sporting Lisbon.

If they were to land Carvalho it would be another example of 'aggressive' spending highlighted by Yorke, as the midfielder is said to cost around £37 million.

It certainly looks as though Manchester United are willing to spend big in order to bounce back from their disappointing campaign last term by returning to the Champions League, and challenging for the Premier League title.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.